Attack on Nonunion Workers Alleged : 2 Striking Market Employees Suspected of Multiple Offenses

Two striking supermarket workers who were arrested Sunday in Sunland on suspicion of repeatedly ramming a vehicle carrying four nonunion supermarket employees are under investigation for assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft of an automobile and illegally growing marijuana, a police spokesman said Monday.

Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Labor Relations Division will present information to the district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to file charges against the men, Leland Lescher, 23, and Fred O’Connell, 28, both of Sunland, Officer Fabian Lizarraga said.

3rd Suspect Sought

The police also are seeking a third suspect, Lizarraga said.

He said the suspects rammed the workers’ car three times with a four-wheel-drive pickup on Nov. 8. The workers were on their way to their jobs at a Ralphs supermarket warehouse. The incident occurred at Chevy Chase Drive and Brunswick Avenue in Los Angeles.

Although the victims’ car was heavily damaged, Lizarraga said, no one was injured. The names of the victims were withheld.

Lescher and O’Connell, identified as members of the Teamsters Union, were arrested at 6:30 p.m. Sunday after police received a tip from an informant, Lizarraga said. The suspects said they worked for Ralphs, police said.

Impounded Porsche, Pickup

Investigators and patrol officers first went to Lescher’s home on Woodward Avenue about 1 p.m., police said, but found no one at home. At that time, Lizarraga said, the police impounded a stolen Porsche and the pickup truck believed to have been used in the assault. Officers also found marijuana growing in the yard, investigators said.

The men were in a stolen car when they were arrested, Lizarraga said. Officers also recovered a third stolen vehicle at the residence, he said.

Bail for Lescher and O’Connell was set at $9,500 each. Lescher was free on bail late Wednesday, and O’Connell was still in custody, authorities said.